Five signs of tension between Holly and Phil in final week as he quits This Morning

A body language expert has spotted three signs of tension between Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield during his final week on This Morning before explosive exit.

On Saturday (May 20), the ITV presenter announced he was stepping down from the daytime show after 21 years following reports of a feud with his co-host.

In a statement, Phillip said: “I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.

READ MORE: Holly Willoughby confirms ITV’s This Morning future after Phillip Schofield quits

“Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind.

“I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.”

He continued: “So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards.”

Now, celebrity psychic and body language expert Inbaal Honigman has exclusively revealed some of the main signs tensions were rising on the ITV set.

Awkward hug

According to the expert, one of the main tell-tale signs that something was wrong between the pair was their awkward onscreen hug which seemed somewhat staged and highlighted the visible tension between them.

She explained: “Phill and Holly’s stiff embrace was, no doubt, pre-planned.

“Just before the hug, Holly hands her arms out to Phil, inviting him to embrace, and her whole body pauses for a second, as she holds her hands slightly up.

“This gesture says ‘I am unarmed’, it’s a way for Holly to show that she means well. The pause makes it clear that the cuddle isn’t spontaneous, it is in the script.”

Although the pair shared what could be interpreted as a sweet hug between close friends, Inbaal pointed out a lack of “true emotion” in their actions which she described as a “performance” to the cameras.

She went on: “Note what they’re not doing – they aren’t holding each other tightly, they aren’t stroking each other’s hair.

“Those would have signified some true emotion between the two. Eye contact is entirely absent, so they’re not sharing the moment, each is performing their part.

“What we do see is Phil and Holly clutching each other’s shoulders in a move that wouldn’t be out of place in a wrestling as they exchanged a couple of pecks.

“Their embrace is swift and perfunctory, as if by request. This is interestingly mirrored, their gestures match one another, which shows that they’re both as committed to the performance as each other.”

Unconscious fidgeting

The celebrity body language buff later picked out key insights into Holly Willoughby’s uncomfortable behaviour while she opened the daytime show with Phillip during the first episode of the week.

Inbaal told us: “She moves her head from side to side while talking, which could be seen as a playful gesture, but can also show that she’s a little uneasy.

“When silent, Holly sways a bit, telling us that she’s out of her comfort zone. Her posture is a little strict but not overly stressed.”

The mum-of-three continues this action throughout her final four shows with the host, a new habit which fans haven’t seen from her before.

Exaggerated gestures

Turning her attention to Phil, the expert explained how Phil unconsciously “exaggerated” his gestures and expressions throughout the show to hide his heartache with the eyes of the nation watching him.

Inbaal pointed out: “Phil’s body language is tense and focused. His arms are gathered tightly by his sides, and his expressions are exaggerated, such as raising his eyebrows to precipitous heights and smiling in an exaggerated way.”

She also noted that the host was physically distancing himself from his former showbiz pal when interviewing guests on the show, actively leaning away from the doting mum.

Tense body language

As the week went on, Phil became noticeably more uncomfortable on camera which was reflected in his body language.

Prior to his emotional few months, the host sported a confident, care-free approach with very open and welcoming body language.

But in recent weeks the host has been a far cry from his usual self, instead looking tense and closed off on air.

Inbaal explained: “His body language is very different. Phil’s body is gathered tightly around him, his arms squeezed tightly by his side and his hands are only moving when he needs to pick up a fork.

“His shoulders are tense, raised to his ears and his eyes are lowered signifying sadness. He’s not smiling and he looks from side to side, which expresses his discomfort.

“Phil’s body language says that he is stressed and feels uneasy in general. He’s uncomfortable where he is, and doesn’t feel like interacting with anyone.”

False smiles

While watching the tense scenes unfold, the celebrity expert picked up on the pair consistently painting on false smiles during Phil’s final week on air.

During the countdown to his exit, the pair could be seen putting on a brave face for the sake of their loyal fanbase.

Inbaal explained how painfully obvious their unconvincing portrayal was in an attempt to hide something difficult was going on behind the scenes.

She explained: “During the first few moments of ‘This Morning’, Holly is mostly being her natural, laid-back self, but she shows some signs of tension.

“Her face is happy and natural, Holly smiles brightly with her lips as well as her eyes but when silent the cracks begin to show that she’s a little uneasy.”

The same could be said for Phil who attempted to “appear happy” while soldiering on with the ITV show.

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The body language pro added: “Phil’s body language is tense and focused. Ever the professional, he keeps a lovely smile on his lips and looks directly at the camera in a bright and focused gaze, trying to appear jolly.

“This tells us that Phil is doing his best to appear happy, but he is actually a bit stressed.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk